Please check back for our 2013 Apprenticeship Application Dates

The recruitment, selection, employment, and training of Apprentices during their apprenticeship shall be without discrimination because of age, disability, sex, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy or parenthood, race, color, religion, national origin.

A career in the Operating Engineers affords an individual the possibility of an interesting vocation as well as excellent wages and fringe benefits. While a career as an Operating Engineer can be exciting and rewarding, there are other things to consider before applying to the apprenticeship program. 

As an Alaska Operating Engineer Apprentice you are indentured to the Training Trust (AOEETT).  An apprentice signs an agreement binding him or her to the rules and regulations of the Training Trust.  An apprentice operator or mechanic is required to work 6,000 hours on the job and service oilers are required to work 4,000 hours on the job. The length of time averages between 4 to 6 years for an apprentice to complete the program.

Apprentices receive a percentage of journeyperson wages starting at 60% and progressing to 100% through their 4,000 or 6,000 hour program.  During this time the apprentice must attend job related training and instruction consisting of a minimum of 640 unpaid hours. These hours are in addition to the on the job training required.

Apprentices are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, ethical, and moral manner, realizing much time, money and effort is spent to afford them an opportunity to become a skilled worker.

(2004 Apprenticeship Class Photos)

Because of Alaska’s short construction season, an Operating Engineer can expect to work long hours (60-80 hours per week). As an Operating Engineer it is common to work away from home. This means you may have to stay at a camp or in some cases find your own lodging. Apprentices should also expect to be transferred from employer to employer to ensure proper training.

This is a trade that takes you outside in all kinds of weather, requiring that you often work under adverse and sometimes hazardous conditions. If these are conditions you are willing and able to work under we welcome you to apply.

Before making your decision to become an apprentice you must take into consideration the above situations and ensure that you are willing to make the commitment, for apprenticeship is not about today, it is about your future.